Orthopedic device



Aug. 11, 1942.

E. LAYANA 2,292,643

ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE Filed May 17,1940

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B Y W A TTORNE Y.

Patented Aug. 11, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ORTHOPEDIO DEVICE Epifania Layana, Los Angeles, Calif. Application May 17, 1940, Serial No. 335,754

2 Claims.

This invention relates to foot orthopedic devices and. particularly to improvements in arch braces.

The invention has for an object the provision of an arch brace adapted to prevent displacement of the bones of the foot when, from any cause, certain muscles of the foot become inactive or fail to perform the functions of holding the bones in place.

It has been stated that ninety per cent. of the people have trouble with their feet, resulting largely from improperly fitted shoes and other causes. Generally, the muscles supporting the anterior arch become weakened and allow the bones to drop and spread apart, which results in straining and weakening the muscles which support the longitudinal arch, with the result that the bones are displaced from what may be termed a normal position. As the foot contains onequarter of all the bones of the human body, it becomes increasingly apparent that foot correction is necessary to maintain health in the individual.

The inventor has found that the average arch brace formed of elastic material fails to function in an effective manner. The present invention has for an object an arch brace which is so constructed that the same has a substantially glove fit on the foot, without, however, presenting any fabric ridge likely to abrade the foot, and without bind, which might tend to stop circulation in the foot.

Another object is the provision of a nonstretch type arch brace, which presents all the effectiveness found in the strapping process used by orthopedic physicians without any of its defects. It is known that in the case of strapping that unless the tape is applied in a very scientific manner, proper tension is not given to the foot. Furthermore, strapping is not permanent and after the straps have been worn a short time, tend to roll on the ends and edges, which causes discomfiture, and the straps can only be applied to the skin a few number of times, due to the fact that adhesive tape, which is generally used for the strapping, tends to irritate the skin. Furthermore, strapping is visible through the average sheer stocking and, therefore, becomes unsightly.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an arch brace which is sanitary, permanent in form, so constructed and arranged as to protect the foot, particularly where a bunion is present or the wearer is troubled with corns, ingrown toenails, and other foot troubles.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an arch brace which is not noticeable when Worn on the foot and beneath the stocking.

Another object is the provision of an arch brace which tends to aid in the correction of weakness of the muscles and gives a real support to the bones of the foot, to the end that permanent relief of foot troubles results.

The average elastic arch brace is incapable of being used over the second and third phalanges of the foot, whereas with the present invention, the brace is capable of application over these phalanges without discomfiture.

Another object is the provision of an arch brace adapted to restore the foot to its normal size.

In'addition to the above stated objects, the invention is inexpensive in cost of manufacture, easily applied, and generally superior to devices now known to the inventor for the correction *of foot troubles.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a foot, the improved arch brace being applied thereto and shown in one position relative to the foot,

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the arch brace shown on the foot, the foot being indicated in dotted lines,

Figure 3 is a pattern view of the arch brace prior to sewing, the strap member therefor being shown in fragment, and,

Figure 4 is a plan view of a strap which is used in constructing the brace.

Referring now with particularity to the drawing, the improved arch brace as an entirety and in one embodiment is designated by the numeral I. in Figure 3, this brace is' shown prior to forming the same to best fit the foot. The brace is formed of a fabric preferably very closely woven and of non-stretch material. Such material is found in high grade shantung and pongee silks, as well as in certain grades of poplin. This material may be doubled upon itself to provide two thicknesses, and then provided with parallel rows of stitching 2, as well as zigzag rows of stitching 3. This stitching aids in preventing stretch of the material. As shown in the drawing, the body of the brace is substantially keystone in appearance, to-Wit, the top and bottom margins .4 and 5, respectively, considering the relative to the top margin 4.

length of the brace, are substantially parallel, while the side margins 6 and l are convergent In the consideration of the particular arch brace, I am not specifying or illustrating any one size of brace, as sizes will, of course, vary in accordance with the foot to be fitted. However, it may be remarked that orthopedic specialists have determined that the correct sizes to fit all feet will not exceed twelve. It is intended, as previously stated, that the present arch brace shall fit the foot closely without binding and be held on the foot without shifting its position. Accordingly, a heel tape or strap 8 is provided, which is secured to the body of the brace in such a manner that the strap may encircle the heel and a portion of the foot on opposite sides of said foot. Hence, when the particular arch brace is fitted on the foot, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, and the stra brought into engagement with the back of the heel as shown, the brace is unable to move relative to the longitudinal arch, with the consequence that the brace cannot bunch or present any ridges liable to become painful when the arch support is Worn.

In describing the method of constructing the present arch support, it is thought best to assume that the arch support will be tailor-made for a particular foot. Although as stated, this is not necessarily the case due to the variation in sizes which are most likely to be sufficient to fit all feet. Taking the body as illustrated in Figure 3, the side margins 6 and 1, and inwardly thereof, are brought into overlapping relationship, as illustrated in Figure 1, wherein it will be seen that the margin portion 1 overlaps a portion of the body with the margin portion 6 against the skin of the foot. For convenience of description, the external overlapped portion is designated by the numeral 9 and the inner portion as IE1. This tensioning of the overlapping portions 9 and I should be sufficient to overcome any spreading of the bones due to any weakened muscles, supporting the anterior and the longitudinal arch. The overlapping portions when the arch supporting body has been properly fitted, are then stitched together, as indicated by the lines of stitching II. If two thicknesses of cloth are used on the body, it now becomes apparent that the overlapped portions provide four thicknesses at a zone where strength is needed, while the sole portion of the arch support consists of the original two thicknesses of material.

It is evident in considering the lateral aspect of the foot that the metatarsus has a given slope or arch. If the arch support extends over the joints of the phalanges, the joining together of sides of the body of the arch support and the proper fitting of the body of the arch support to conform to the natural slope of the arch of the foot results in a bunching of the fabric at the zone l2; in other words, there would be a series of transverse fabric wrinkles in the body of the arch support. After the body has been correctly formed to fit the foot and its natural arch curvature, the wrinkled portion would be very uncomfortable if allowed to remain and, therefore, two diagonal openings or bays are cut into the body from the side margins 6 and 1, as shown at l3 and I4. That portion of the body included between the openings or bays and designated as l5, fits the sole of the foot. After the wrinkled portion, due to form-fitting the arch support, has been removed or cut away, as just stated, I then take a thin flexible strip of fabric, as illustrated in Figure 4 at 16, and sew or stitch the same to the body and over the bays l3 and M. This allows ready movement without any pain at the joints of the phalanges and still holds the foot in proper position for muscular coordination.

The operation, uses and advantages of the invention are undoubtedly apparent from the description as given and the objects stated. As a summary, the body which has been preformed to the foot, closely engages the foot, and is prevented from displacement by the strap. It is customary to draw the arch support over the foot so as to tightly engage the foot, and thereafter move the strap rearward of the heel as depicted in the drawing.

When properly formed, in accordance with the description given, the device does not stretch, is easy to wear, gives support to the foot, and is sanitary in that it may be readily washed.

The zone which contains the stitching ll due to the increased thickness by the overlapping of the fabric, as indicated at 9 and I9, makes this portion substantially stiff. However, the stiffness is relieved by means of the bays and the thin flexible covering 16.

I claim:

1. An arch brace comprising a sheet of material in the form of a sleeve, with its side edges overlapped, adapted to fit over the second phalanges of the toes of a foot, said sheet being provided with bays extending diagonally from said side edges respectively, which bays register and provide a transverse opening, adapted to overlie the second joints of the toes, and a thin sheet member secured to said sheet of material over said transverse opening.

2. An arch support including a sheet of material comprising two layers of fabric stitched together and said sheet being arranged in the form of a sleeve with its side edge portions overlapped and the four thicknesses of fabric of said overlapped edge portions being stitched together, said sheet of material being provided with openings extending diagonally inwardly from said side edges, which openings register and form a transverse slot adapted to provide a flexible zone over the joints of the toes of the wearer of the brace, said stitched overlapping edge portions adapted to form a relatively stiff zone over the arch of the foot of the wearer thereof.

EPIFANIA LAYANA. 

